Gala highlights

RAHB’s annual Appreciation & Awards Gala was an evening to celebrate members for their 40- and 25-years of RAHB membership, to recognize RAHB members who served on RAHB committees and task forces in 2016, and to award members who have gone above and beyond to serve the association and their community.

The Gala took place on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Michelangelo Event Venue and Conference Centre.

RAHB Volunteers
RAHB President Lou Piriano recognized the three 2016 Directors who completed their terms on the Board – Kim Alvarez, Gary Herron and Paul Martindale. He also recognized the 101 RAHB members who served on committees, task forces and the Board.

Long Service Awards
Long service pins were presented to the newest members of the Long Service Club. 10 members reached the 40-year milestone in 2016 and 42 reached the 25-year milestone!

RAHB Service Awards
Congratulations to the following RAHB award recipients!

Margaret Reid
(Royal LePage State Realty) received the Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes a member who has demonstrated exceptional qualities, enthusiasm and perseverance or has gone above and beyond to serve their fellow members.

Margaret has served on various RAHB committees and task forces since joining RAHB and, in fact, has worked on a committee or task every year with only one exception. She is active on not only RAHB committees and task forces, but in community committees and initiatives as well. Margaret is described as a “true example of leadership and giving”, a mentor with phenomenal patience and as “always available to lend a hand”.

Bonnie Dowling
(B. Dowling Real Estate Ltd.) received the Outstanding Community Service Award, presented to a member who has shown outstanding dedication to the real estate profession and exceptional volunteer service to his or her community.

Bonnie is a 33-year member of RAHB, a past president of the Association and an Honorary Life Member. She also received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012.

Bonnie has been active in the City of Hamilton Public Health “Community Food Advisors” program for over 20 years. She has served as Chair of the program, and continues to actively participate in a monthly seniors’ lunch program. As well as these current activities, Bonnie has been involved in lunch and children’s food programs, performed cooking demonstrations for seniors and Aboriginal men and others, and promoted healthy lifestyles in the community. Her infectious enthusiasm has made the learning experience enjoyable for others.

Entertainment
Entertainment during the cocktail hour and again during the gala program was provided by magician Mike D’Urzo.

Musical entertainment following the Gala program was provided by the George St. Kitts Band.